Episode Summary: Ep. 344 "Unstable Attachment to Realism" with Justine Kay

Release Date: November 6, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 344 of The Stacks, host Tracy Thomas welcomes Justine K., the co-host of the popular podcast Two Black Girls, One Rose. Tracy and Justine engage in a heartfelt and insightful conversation that navigates the turbulent emotions following the 2024 election, the balance between optimism and pessimism, the chaos of reality TV, and their shared passion for books.

Post-Election Emotions

Recording on October 28th, Tracy and Justine delve into their feelings in the aftermath of the 2024 election. Tracy expresses her anxiety about how listeners will perceive the episode once the election results come in. She shares a personal anecdote about interacting with her niece and nephews, highlighting the confusion and misinformation young listeners might have about the political landscape.

[08:12] Tracy Thomas: "I just couldn't do anymore. But what you want is to keep going because you want to see what happened in the end."

Justine mirrors Tracy's apprehensions, discussing her struggle with pessimism and an "unstable attachment to realism." She opens up about her difficulties in celebrating personal achievements amidst the looming uncertainty of political outcomes.

[11:17] Justine K.: "Very, very, like, unstable attachment to realism."

Balancing Optimism and Pessimism

The conversation shifts to the concept of optimism versus pessimism. Tracy advocates for leaning into optimism, even if it sometimes leads to being wrong, to maintain a hopeful outlook. Justine resonates with this sentiment, sharing her therapist's insights on her own pessimistic tendencies and her efforts to cultivate a more optimistic mindset.

[12:32] Tracy Thomas: "I would rather be wrong and have a nice time believing in something good being possible..."

Reality TV Chaos

Transitioning from politics to pop culture, Tracy and Justine discuss their takes on reality TV shows like Love is Blind and The Bachelor. Justine highlights Love is Blind as her favorite to cover, appreciating its unique format and dynamics. They critique certain seasons of The Bachelor, particularly condemning problematic behavior and lack of diversity.

[21:45] Justine K.: "Absolutely. Love is Blind."

Tracy shares her disdain for the predictable outcomes of wedding episodes in reality TV, yearning for more genuine and spontaneous moments.

[24:33] Tracy Thomas: "Breaking up with Shake at the altar. That was so fabulous."

Book Recommendations and "Ask the Stacks" Segment

In the Ask the Stacks segment, Tracy responds to a listener's request for book recommendations for a mother-in-law with advanced Parkinson's. She offers a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles tailored to Martha's interests in historical fiction and family sagas.

[38:36] Tracy Thomas: "Thank you so much for being here."

Justine adds her favorite historical non-fiction recommendation, emphasizing the importance of understanding history to foster optimism and reduce anger.

[38:37] Justine K.: "Once Upon a Secret by Mimi Alford."

Personal Reading Preferences

Tracy and Justine delve into their personal reading habits, discussing favorite genres, books that made them laugh or cry, and books they dislike. Justine candidly shares her frustrations with certain romance novels and her admiration for cookbooks, highlighting how different genres serve as emotional outlets.

[40:27] Justine K.: "I did not. Usually when I'm right, it feels great... This one did not."

They also discuss the impact of influential books like Thick by Tracy, which has shaped Justine's perspective on race and politics.

[46:07] Justine K.: "I was like, thick by trustee McMillan got him."

Closing Remarks and Book Club Pick

As the episode wraps up, Tracy announces the November Book Club pick: Luster by Raven Leilani. She encourages listeners to join the upcoming discussion with Justine on November 27th and provides a discount code to support a black queer women-owned bookstore.

[54:59] Justine K.: "White Rage by Dr. Carol Anderson, that's another gem."

Tracy emphasizes the importance of community support through Patreon and invites listeners to engage with The Stacks on various social media platforms.

Conclusion

Episode 344 of The Stacks offers a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and literary recommendations. Tracy and Justine's candid dialogue provides listeners with a nuanced exploration of navigating post-election emotions, the complexities of reality TV, and the transformative power of books.

Notable Quotes:

• [11:17] Justine K.: "Very, very, like, unstable attachment to realism."
• [21:45] Justine K.: "Absolutely. Love is Blind."
• [40:27] Justine K.: "I did not. Usually when I'm right, it feels great... This one did not."
• [54:59] Justine K.: "White Rage by Dr. Carol Anderson, that's another gem."